Foldable step stool

ABSTRACT

A foldable step stool adapted to be affixed to an upright surface for providing access to a height above the stool comprises a first member adapted to be affixed to an upright surface. A second member is hingedly affixed to the upright surface and is movable from a position substantially coplanar with the first member to a position at substantially right angles to the first member. A third member is hingedly affixed to the second member and is movable from a position substantially perpendicular to the second member to a position substantially parallel to the second member.

I United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,833,089 Backwell 1 Sept. 3, 1974v FOLDABLE STEP STOOL 2,547,808 4/1951 Burrage. 312 235 R [75] e or: James Back e, K tchener, Ontario, 2,628,659 2/1953 Carpenter 3l2/235 R Canada Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado [73] Assignee: The Raymond Lee Organization, Attorney, Agent, or F irm-Daniel Jay Tick Inc., New York, NY, a part interest [57] ABSTRACT 22 i J 19 1973 A foldable step stool adapted to be affixed to an upright surface for providing access to a height above [21] Appl' 371,465 the stool comprises a first member adapted to be affixed to an upright surface. A second member is 52 US. Cl. 182/91 hingedly affixed to the upright Surface and is movable 511 1m. (:1. E06c 9/06 from a positionvsubstamially coplanar with the first [58] Field of Search 182/91, 95, 129; 312/325 member to a Position at Substamially right angles to p the first member. A third member is hingedly affixed [56] References Citsd to the second member and is movable from a position UNITED STATES PATENTS substantially perpendicular to the second member to a position substantially parallel to the second member. 759,31l 5/1904 R1chardson 312/235 R 1,491,039 4/1924 Hansen et a]. 312/235 R 1 Claim, 4 Drawing Figures PAIENTED SEP 1 74 FOLDABLE STEP STOOL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a foldable step stool. More particularly, the invention relates to a foldable step stool adapted to be affixed to an upright surface for providing access to a height above the stool.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a foldable step stool of simple, but sturdy, efficient and reliable structure, which occupies a minimum amount of space and may be affixed to the door of a refrigerator or any suitable appliance in an area where a person is desirous of gaining access to a height above the appliance, and it utilizable on any upright surface with facility, ease, convenience and safety.

In order that the invention may be readily carried into effect, it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the foldable step stool of the invention in unfolded condition;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, taken along the lines II II, of FIG. 1; I

FIG 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in folded condition; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in its unfolded condition, affixed to a kitchen appliance.

In the figures the same components are identified by the same reference numerals.

The foldable step stool of the invention is adapted to be affixed to an upright surface such as, for example, the door of a refrigerator or freezer, a wall, a cupboard, or the like, for providing access to a height above the stool. It is especially applicable for use in a kitchen in reaching high shelves or cupboards.

The foldable step stool of the invention comprises a first member 1 (FIGS. 1 to 4) adapted to be affixed to an upright surface by any suitable means. A second member 2 (FIGS. 1 to 4) is hingedly affixed to the first member 1 via a suitable number of hinges, of which a hinge 3 is shown in each of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The second member 2 is movable from a position substantially coplanar with the first member 1, as shown in FIG. 3, to a position at substantially right angles to the first member, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

A third member 4 (FIGS. 1 to 4) is hingedly affixed to the second member 2 by a hinge bar 5 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). The third member 4 is movable from a position substantially perpendicular to the second member 2, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, to a position substantially parallel to the second members, as shown in FIG. 3.

A securing device is provided for securing the step stool in folded condition adjacent a magnetic surface such as, for example, the metal door of a refrigerator, as shown in FIG. 3. The securing device comprises a magnet 6 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) affixed to the third member 4. A hole 7 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) is formed through the second member 2 and corresponds in position with the magnet 6. Thus, when the step stool is folded against the magnetic surface, the first and second members 1 and 2 are substantially coplanarly positioned adjcent the surface and the third member 4 is positioned substantially parallel to the first and second members, as shown in FIG. 3, with the magnet 6 passing through the hole 7 through the second member 2 and abutting the magnetic surface and adhering thereto.

A depression 8 (FIG. 4) may be formed in the third member 4 to provide a handle in the face of the member. A guide arm 9 (FIG. 4) controls the opening of the third member 4.

While the invention has been described by means of a specific example and in a specific embodiment, I do not wish to be limited thereto, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A foldable step stool adapted to be afiixed to an upright surface for providing access to a height above the stool, said step stool comprising a first member adapted to be affixed to an upright surface;

a second member hingedly affixed to the first member and movable from a position substantially coplanar with the first member to a position at substantially right angles to the first member;

a third member hingedly affixed to the second member and movable from a position substantially perpendicular to the second member to a position substantially parallel to the second member; and

securing means for securing the step stool in folded condition adjacent a magnetic surface, said securing means comprising a magnet affixed to the third member and a hole formed through the second member corresponding in position with the magnet whereby when the step stool is folded against the surface, the first and second members are substantially coplanarly positioned adjacent the surface and the third member is positioned substantially parallel to the first and second members with the magnet passing through the hole through the second member and abutting the surface. 

1. A foldable step stool adapted to be affixed to an upright surface for providing access to a height above the stool, said step stool comprising a first member adapted to be affixed to an upright surface; a second member hingedly affixed to the first member and movable from a position substantially coplanar with the first member to a position at substantially right angles to the first member; a third member hingedly affixed to the second member and movable from a position substantially perpendicular to the second member to a position substantially parallel to the second member; and securing means for securing the step stool in folded condition adjacent a magnetic surface, said securing means comprising a magnet affixed to the third member and a hole formed through the second member corresponding in position with the magnet whereby when the step stool is folded against the surface, the first and second members are substantially coplanarly positioned adjacent the surface and the third member is positioned substantially parallel to the first and second members with the magnet passing through the hole through the second member and abutting the surface. 